The 15 best solo trips in the US according to KAYAK data

Throughout my years of experience as a travel journalist – more often than not relying on myself to navigate the world of airports, hotels and new cities – I’ve found that some destinations are better suited for solo travel than others. 

My evidence certainly veers more qualitative, but it’s also mirrored by a recent solo travel and dining research from KAYAK and OpenTable. Below, learn more about the 15 best solo trips in the US, ranked based on data from KAYAK and OpenTable.

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1. Washington, D.C

According to KAYAK’s Solo Travel and Dining Guide, the best place to vacation by yourself in the US is Washington, D.C. With highly walkable neighborhoods and easily navigable public transportation, D.C. is the best East Coast city for those traveling on their own. Before your trip, I recommend thoughtfully mapping out all of the sights, museums, restaurants, and areas you’re hoping to see.

If you plan your route efficiently, you can check off most of the top cultural destinations and iconic D.C. experiences within a short weekend. The National Mall, for example, is home to several must-see attractions, like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Plus, it’s completely free to explore. 

2. Boston

When you’re in a place as dynamic as Boston, it’s often easier to explore solo than with someone by your side. You can visit all of the top tourist attractions – including the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Public Garden and Boston Common – without slowing down for a fellow traveler or discussing what to do next.

If taking in all of Beantown’s historical sights solo gets old after a day or two, consider booking a guided tour of the Freedom Trail, a seat on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, or a whale-watching cruise. The Seaport District and Harvard’s campus are also two of my favorite areas to leisurely wander on a nice day. 

3. Chicago

City escapes are inherently solo traveler-friendly, and Chicago is no different. The Windy City features more than its fair share of amazing architecture, world-class museums, green parks and award-winning restaurants – and none of it requires a travel partner. If you’re hoping to plan your adventure around Chicago’s notorious snowstorms and less-than-perfect weather, book your trip during the summer.

This will allow for ample opportunity to explore some of the gorgeous lakefront neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park, Hyde Park and The Loop. The summer also gives way to can’t-miss outdoor events like the Millennium Park Summer Music Series, boat cruises on Lake Michigan and watching fireworks from Navy Pier. 

4. Atlanta

Given the fact that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the US, flights to A-Town typically fall on the more affordable side – depending on where you’re flying from, of course. Consider this permission to spend a little more on your accommodations.

There’s nothing as luxurious as a solo night in a five-star hotel – with room service, a hot shower and a cozy bathrobe – and Atlanta has some of the most glamorous guest experiences in the South. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can’t go wrong with either the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta or The St. Regis Atlanta.  

5. Salt Lake City

A magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and snow chasers, the capital of Utah places visitors directly in the foothills of the Wasatch mountain range. If you’re planning to take advantage of the surrounding hiking trails and ski slopes, follow best solo travel practices, like ensuring someone you trust has your location. Salt Lake City also has a bunch of other cultural attractions that cater to individual travelers, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Clark Planetarium and The Leonardo Museum.

6. Tampa

Solo travelers who consider themselves extroverts and night owls should add Tampa to their bucket list. Located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cigar City is a colorful metropolis where celebration, creativity and cultural diversity thrive.

During the day, explore Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo or Cypress Point Park. After the sun goes down, make your way to the Tampa Riverwalk. Controlled by security, this is a great, safe option for solo travelers who want to participate in Tampa’s nightlife or sip a few cocktails while taking in the city skyline and water views. 

7. Philadelphia

There’s a certain sense of freedom that comes with solo travel, so where better to experience that feeling than in the birthplace of American Independence? As someone who lived in Philadelphia for several years, I can say that the City of Brotherly Love is filled with endless activities and delicious meals that can be thoroughly enjoyed on your own.

Don’t miss a meander through Reading Terminal Market, and save a few hours in your day for the Mütter Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum. Just be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as many of Philly’s top tourist neighborhoods – Center City, Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West and Old City – are best explored on foot. 

8. Seattle

Best for those who can swing an extended visit, the Emerald City has an impressive list of cultural, culinary, and outdoor recreation opportunities. To narrow down the options, spend at least a day museum hopping; don’t miss the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Art Museum or the Museum of Flight.

The next morning, focus on finding all the most delectable bites in Seattle (Pike Place Market is the best place to start). And before you leave town, paddle a kayak on Lake Union or hike some of the trails in Discovery Park. With a schedule as packed as this one, you’ll hardly notice the lack of a travel companion. 

9. Los Angeles

For many travelers, Los Angeles is high on their list of best vacation spots, thanks to its warm weather and beach access. It’s also ideal for solo travel – whether you plan to spend your alone time soaking up the sun by a pool, shopping in The Grove or hiking in Runyon Canyon Park.

Remember, though, Los Angeles is a spread-out city, and your exact experience will vary based on which neighborhood you’re staying in and what you plan on doing. In my experience, Downtown (DTLA) and Santa Monica are both extremely walkable and your best bet if you’re traveling alone.

10. New York City

When I moved to New York City for my first job after college, I spent every free moment I had exploring the boroughs – most of the time, on my own and with affordability in mind. During those years, I discovered that, while NYC rent and real estate prices are high, this is also a destination with top-tier public transportation and a host of affordable cultural activities.

Budget-conscious solo travelers can walk around Central Park, ride the Staten Island ferry (passing the Statue of Liberty) and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where admission is granted on a “pay what you want” basis. If museums strike your fancy, check out all of NYC’s best museums, many of which are free on certain days. 

11. Denver

Similarly to Salt Lake City, Denver calls to solo travelers who crave adventure – but you don’t necessarily need to head out on the trail alone. There are a variety of groups, tours and events that serve as a way for travelers to connect with fellow visitors and the local community. I suggest checking out BIPOC Mountain Collective on Facebook and Meetup.

Another thing to be aware of is Denver’s general size. When I first visited the Mile-High City on my own, I was a bit intimidated by how spread out it is. You can avoid that sense of overwhelmingness, by booking a hotel downtown, an area that is more compact and incredibly walkable. 

12. Austin

Austin may not have a reputation for affordability – its cost of living is relatively high – but there are many ways for solo travelers to visit without breaking the bank. To save a few dollars, avoid traveling to Austin during major events and festivals (like SXSW and Austin City Limits) when hotel prices will skyrocket.

You can also keep yourself busy with Austin’s impressive roster of free or affordable things to do. Take a free tour of the Texas State Capitol, lounge in Zilker Park, or pay the small entrance fee (around $9) to take a dip in the refreshing Barton Springs Pool.

13. San Francisco

San Francisco is a mecca for foodies – even those who are traveling solo. In fact, when you’re by yourself, you never have to compromise on what you want to eat. If you’re craving a sweet treat, help yourself to the Ghirardelli’s Hot Fudge Sundae.

If you’re in the mood for James Beard award-winning delicacies – and you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation – the team at State Bird Provisions will leave you dreaming of their creations long after you’ve returned home. And if you’d like to pair a glass of wine with a good book? Head to Cultivar. 

14. Dallas

Dallas has one of the most underrated art scenes in the US, and the city has a range of museums and galleries to add to a solo itinerary. Many are also easy to find and relatively close to one another. If you can, book a hotel near the Dallas Art District (DAD), the largest contiguous urban arts district in the US.

Here, you’ll be able to pop into the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the Meyerson Symphony Center. You can also check out DAD’s website to see which exciting events and programs align with your trip dates.

15. Houston

Houston, Texas rounds out KAYAK and Open Table’s list of best solo trips in the US. As in most larger cities, safety can be a concern at night but, for the most part, solo travelers can feel at ease visiting Space City’s tourist attractions and downtown areas.

These include kayaking along the Buffalo Bayou Waterway, checking out the Houston Graffiti Building, watching a performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre and hiking around the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Houston’s food scene also comes heavily recommended. Stop by Villa Arcos for the breakfast tacos and Henderson & Kane General Store for Texas barbecue and a curated selection of groceries.  

Looking for more solo trips and tips? Check out the KAYAK and OpenTable’s solo travel and dining guide.